Fibre reinforced glass and ceramic composites

Abstract

Reinforced glass and ceramic materials are discussed with particular reference to continuous fibre reinforced structures. The advantages of these composites are described with respect to their high strength, high temperature withstand and low mass to high strength ratio. The effects of fibre inclusion and orientation of the tensile and flexural strength of these materials are included Fabrication techniques are outlined for powder-derived glass and ceramic matrix containing composites. In addition, a novel procedure, developed by the GEC Engineering Research Centre, Stafford, which involves the use of sol-gel technology, is described Properties of these materials are described with reference to particular applications including mass sensitive items, for example engines and aerospace structures. The design of very low expansion materials, suitable for metrological applications, is outlined